Written by

Jackie Hoermann

Special to The Register

Capital City Pridefest

WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday-6 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Grand Avenue from East Sixth Street to East Fourth Street and on East Fifth Street from East Grand Avenue to East Locust Street. TICKETS: Wristbands for both Saturday and Sunday are $10. Entry on Sunday only is $5. INFO:www.capitalcitypride.orgSaturday

Party with pride this week­end in the East Vil­lage. A $10 wristband gets you admis­sion to all events Saturday and Sun­day for Pridefest, a cele­bration of the local LGBT community.

And with so many op­tions, we thought you would like a little help choosing what to attend. Do Pridefest right with the top five can’t-miss events.

1. Pride Idol finale

7 p.m. Saturday on the main stage

It’s possible you’ll come across a Simon Cowell impersonator, but you probably won’t find any Cowell-like haters at Pride Idol 2013. The 2013 grand finale is expected to be a lot of fun, a little feisty and full of positive support for contestants. Already a few weeks into the competition, only the top contestants remain. The finale promises to showcase Iowa’s best vocal performances, and you can count on a show tune or two.

2. Crystal Waters performance

10 p.m. Saturday on the main stage

The house is sure to be packed with “100 Percent Pure Love” for Crystal Waters. Her strong presence on the dance music scene for more than 20 years has been sustained by her power­house performances, and it doesn’t seem like she’s slowing down in this decade. She makes no secret that her momen­tum comes from a strong fan base in the LGBT community. And she loves her fans just as much as they love her, channeling positive energy into each and every performance. Watch her tear up the stage and see exactly what she means.

3. Friends of Pride brunch

10:30 a.m. Sunday

A fabulously fun Saturday night merits a recovery brunch Sunday morning. Fuel up for another day of celebra­tion by noshing on all your breakfast favorites in spirited company — both the people and beverages. Even if you find yourself with a bit too much fun sloshing around in your stomach from the night before, you are sure to find a bloody mary or mimosa to put you in good spirits again.

4. 35th annual Pride Parade

1 p.m. Sunday, along Locust Street

It wouldn’t be a true celebration of LGBT pride without a parade that showcases a great array of entertainment, complete with a vibrant display of color, art and dancing. This year is the 35th pride parade in Des Moines, so you can count on it being spectacular.

Line up along Locust Street on Sunday after­noon and show your support for a positive culture of acceptance that’s been thriving in the Midwest.

5. Latrice Royale, Detox and local entertainment

2:30 p.m. Sunday on the Main Stage

You’ve partied, brunched and paraded, so now you must end Pridefest 2013 with a bang. Head over to the main stage for a series of live performances from performers like “Large and in Charge” female impersonator Latrice Royale, a well-known entertainer in the drag industry. Royale won’t be rocking you alone, though. She’ll be accom­panied by the band Detox and a slew of local enter­tainers who are sure to blast some pride into an otherwise sleepy Des Moines Sunday.